with discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with discretion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something needs to be done with caution and consideration of the potential consequences. For example: She should approach the subject with discretion, as it may be a sensitive issue for some people.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To do so with discretion takes class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most teachers tackle the sensitive issues with discretion.

The New York Times

Garnish with a rose petal and serve with discretion.

The New York Times - Magazine

They should be used with discretion, if at all.

The Guardian

A careful prosecutor, however, chooses his cases with discretion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rfc must be used with discretion and in moderation.

The New York Times - Arts

"At the charters, they can do it with discretion.

The New York Times

"There's always someone with discretion, to help you out.

The New York Times

That certainly leaves the Obama administration with discretion to act as well".

The New York Times

"Such an extraordinary power needs to be exercised with discretion, because it could be constitutionally suspect".

The New Yorker

Most good novels handle such matters with discretion, but this one discusses them out loud.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to act "with discretion", ensure the context clarifies what specific potential risks or sensitivities they should be mindful of.

Common error

While "with discretion" is appropriate, overuse can make writing sound stilted. Replace it occasionally with more direct synonyms like "carefully", "judiciously", or "thoughtfully" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with discretion" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it advises caution and thoughtfulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with discretion" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys the need for caution, sensitivity, and sound judgment in one's actions. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When using "with discretion", it's important to consider the specific sensitivities of the situation and to avoid overusing the phrase, which can make writing sound stilted. Remember to explore synonyms such as "judiciously", "with prudence" or "tactfully" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

judiciously

Single-word adverb that replaces the prepositional phrase, offering a more concise alternative.

with prudence

Emphasizes careful and wise decision-making, focusing on avoiding risks.

with care

Highlights the act of being cautious and attentive to details.

circumspectly

Suggests a deliberate awareness of potential consequences and a desire to avoid mistakes.

tactfully

Focuses on being sensitive and considerate in dealing with others.

delicately

Indicates handling a situation with gentleness and precision, often to avoid causing offense or damage.

with good judgment

Highlights the use of sound reasoning and informed decision-making.

with sensitivity

Emphasizes understanding and responding appropriately to the feelings and needs of others.

with thoughtfulness

Stresses the act of considering all aspects of a situation before acting.

with diplomacy

Implies skill in handling negotiations and sensitive situations to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "with discretion" in a sentence?

Use "with discretion" to advise caution and thoughtful consideration in an action or decision. For example, "Please handle this information "with discretion", as it is highly confidential."

What does it mean to act "with discretion"?

Acting "with discretion" means behaving or speaking in a way that avoids causing offense or revealing private information. It involves using good judgment and sensitivity in your interactions.

Are there situations where acting "with discretion" is particularly important?

Yes, it's especially important in situations involving confidential information, sensitive topics, or when dealing with individuals who are easily offended. Journalism, diplomacy and medicine are a few examples.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "with discretion"?

Alternatives include "judiciously", "with prudence", or "tactfully", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.